Blog Archive

10 Dec 2019

National property and construction consultancy Wakemans has been appointed on a new £14m development of warehouses and industrial space in the heart of Cheshire. Artis Park is being developed by Winsford Dev Co LLP, a joint venture between Kier Property, Yorvale Investments and Maple Grove Developments.

Working on behalf of the joint venture company, Wakemans is acting as employer’s agent, quantity surveyor and principal designer, on this the latest phase of development at the popular Winsford Industrial Estate.

A 195,000 sq. ft. warehouse has been demolished to make way for the development and contractor HP Construction started on site in October. The new scheme comprises 13 flexible units for B2/B8 use providing a total floor space of 11,523 sq. m. (124,034 sq. ft. gross internal area) plus 187 car parking and covered cycle spaces. Wakemans is also overseeing external works, external services and s278 works plus drainage and landscaping.

Wakemans director Seinde Balogun said: “Artis Park represents a significant phase of expansion at the well-established Winsford Industrial Estate, which is the UK’s first Green Business Park and was the first estate to become a Business Improvement District.

“The development’s mix of smaller units should appeal to a variety of trades and light industries that require a counter facility, and with three units already under offer it is clear there is demand for this type and quality of space among both local and national businesses.”

On behalf of the JV, Kier Property’s managing director (North) Tom Gilman added:
“We are delighted to appoint Wakemans at Artis Park. This is Kier Property’s second development in partnership with Yorvale and Maple Grove having successfully developed and sold a 150,000 sq. ft. industrial scheme in Wakefield earlier this year.”

The site enjoys a prominent frontage to Road One at Winsford Industrial Estate, which is already home to Henkel, International Paper Containers (UK), Weatherseal, Iveco, Wincanton Logistics and packaging companies Jiffy and Ambassador.

For sale or to let, the units range in size from 3,450 sq. ft. to 26,620 sq. ft. and can be combined. With an internal height of at least 8m, the units feature mezzanine/ first floor offices, partially glazed frontages and electric loading doors and incorporate 25m yards.

The development benefits from easy access to the motorway network from either junction 18 or 19 of the M6 and since Winsford rail station is part of the West Coast Main Line, there are direct links to some of the country’s key national hubs.

Phase 1 units are scheduled for completion in May 2020, with completion of the entire development due in December 2020.

Kier Property has developed more than 5 million sq. ft. of industrial space and has a pipeline of £1.5bn GDV.

08 Nov 2019

KBB and merchant service provider Acres Consultancy has acquired the online recruitment specialist kbbrecruitment.co.uk, expanding their business in line with increasing sales and demand for services.

KBBrecruitment is a niche recruiter for the KBB and home interiors industry that has been established since 2003. Based in Essex, the company has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service to the jobseeker and the recruiter.

Principal Director at Acres Consultancy, Simon Acres said, “This is a very exciting acquisition that will extend our reach digitally and geographically, enhancing the service we can offer our clients.”

Shelley Moore, director at kbbrecruitment.co.uk said, “We are delighted to have concluded this deal with Acres Consultancy, they are a great match for our business with a similar ethos and core values of honesty, reliability and loyalty.

“This acquisition will assist Acres Consultancy to progress their aim of becoming recognised as the first choice KBB and merchant service provider, making a tangible difference to clients, helping to improve sales conversions and increase profits.”